Special Day Post
Every year year, Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 to commemorate the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese rule in 1961.
History- On August 15, 1947, when India gained its independence, Goa was still crumbling under 450 years of Portuguese rule. The Portuguese were among the first to colonize parts of India and refused to give up their hold over Goa and other Indian territories, even in the wake of India’s
independence.
After failed negotiations and diplomatic efforts with the Portuguese, the former prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, decided that military intervention was their only option. The 36-hour military operation, conducted from December 18, 1961, was code-named ‘Operation Vijay’ and involved attacks by the Indian navy, air force, and army.
During the historic moment, Indian troops reclaimed the Goan territory with little resistance, and General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva signed the certificate of surrender. 451 years of Portuguese rule in the region officially came to an end and the territory was taken back by India
on December 19, 1961.
However, the action incited mixed responses internationally at the time. Though many praised the move and backed India, others, including Portugal, criticized the Indian forces’ “invasion” of Goa.
Significance- The day is also particularly important for recognizing the achievements Goa has made in recent years, accomplishing milestones in the tourism sector, and maintaining its position as having the highest per capita income among all the states and union territories of India.
Now, Goa Liberation Day is marked by an abundance of events and festivities in Goa. Various cultural programs like Sugam Sangeet — an Indian musical genre with poetry in the Kannada language — are held to honor the occasion.
2021- As part of the celebrations this year, PM Modi will attend the Goa Liberation Day function at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao at around 3 pm, where he will felicitate freedom fighters and veterans of Operation Vijay, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has said.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate several development projects, including the renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum, Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College, New South Goa District Hospital, Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport, and the Gas-insulated Substation at Dabolim-Navelim, Margao during his visit.
He will also lay the foundation stone for the India International University of Legal Education and Research of Bar Council of India Trust at Goa.
The Prime Minister will also release 'My Stamp' depicting the Hutatma Smarak, which recognises those who laid down their lives during the Goa Liberation Movement, at Patradevi. A 'Meghdoot Post Card' depicting a collage of pictures of different events during the Goa Liberation Struggle will also be presented to the Prime Minister.